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A Star is Born

Diversity and inclusion were front and center at this year’s 76th annual Golden Globe Awards, taking place at the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom. Hosted by Andy Samberg and now two-time Golden Globe winner, Ottawa-born Actress Sandra Oh, the Awards more than ever before saw representation. Oh who won Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama for Killing Eve, took a moment early in the broadcast, fighting back tears to say, “I wanted to be here to look out into this audience and witness this moment of change. And I’m not fooling myself. I’m not fooling myself. Next year can be different, it probably will be, but right now, this moment is real.”.

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY scored a surprise upset winning Best Motion Picture – Drama and also Rami Malek winning Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his portrayal of Queen Frontman Freddie Mercury.

Glenn Close won her third Golden Globe Award for her work in THE WIFE, garnering her Best Lead Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.

The evening saw ROMA shine, winning two Awards including Best Director (Alfonso Cuarón) and Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language. The groundbreaking Netflix release which premiered at TIFF ’18, further solidifies the streaming giant’s presence Awards Season and will represent Mexico at the Academy Awards next month.

In the Television categories, AMERICAN CRIME STORY: THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE and THE KOMINSKY METHOD came out on-top with two wins apiece. The former won Best Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Darren Criss) and Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. The latter won Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (Michael Douglas) and Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. This marks Douglas’ sixth Golden Globe Award and in 2004 he was given the Cecil B DeMille Award

Jeff Bridges was honoured with the Cecil B. DeMille Award for this contributions to the world of Entertainment and earlier in the evening Funnywoman Carol Burnett was honoured with an eponymous award also for her trailblazing achievements and accomplishments.

Some of the evening’s most memorable looks included Lady Gaga in a Valentino nod to Judy Garland and Tiffany& Co. jewelry, Gemma Chan (Crazy Rich Asians) in Valentino,Julia Roberts in a Stella McCartney pantsuit and newcomer Kiki Layne in Dior.

It’s hard to believe another year’s passed by! 2018 certainly was a stand-out year for Cinema and Team Mr. Will true to tradition, share with you their best of 2018. If you haven’t seen some of these, it’s time to start adding to your Must-See Lists this winter!

AMANDA GILMORE (@gilmoreamanda)
It was such a great year for Film that it’s near impossible for me to choose the Top Ten. I could have easily made a Top 30 list (if it was allowed). However, I managed to squeeze in ten films, which are in alphabetical order rather than being ranked. I’ve included films from a range of genres and narratives that I’ve thought about since my first viewing.

A Star Is Born
A Quiet Place
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Black Panther
Eighth Grade
Mission Impossible: Fallout
Roma
Shoplifters
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-verse
The Favourite

Annihilation
First Man
Ready Player One
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindewald
A Quiet Place
Green Book
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Legend of the Demon Cat
Mary Poppins Returns

As usual, my list consists of movies I saw on the Silver Screen within the calendar year. They’re organized according to release date, and are thus relieved of any hierarchy. Annihilation is the dark Sci-Fi wizardry I live for; Ready Player One is my kind of Spielberg cinema; and A Quiet Place is my top scare of 2018. Solo gave me more Star Wars; Demon Cat made this year’s TIFF magical; and First Man is the brand of brooding Drama I adore. Fantastic Beasts 2 is dope AF; Green Book is a beautiful performance piece; and Spider-Man is the Comic Movie I’ve been waiting forever for. To wrap it all up… Mary Poppins Returns! She has, and it warms my heart.

DAVID BALDWIN (@DaveMABaldwin)
2018 was an incredible year for Cinema. Full stop. If anyone tells you otherwise, they did not see enough movies. Every genre fired on all cylinders, and the mid-budget and independent scenes were filled with positively exquisite Filmmaking that will go down as some of the best of the decade. And even better than that, 2018 proved the power and importance of diversity and gender in Cinema. The number of movies I genuinely liked and loved that missed my Top Ten can attest to how outstanding a year this was. But I can say with confidence that the list of films below shook me right through to my bones whether through fear, laughter, wonder, charm, thrills, or genuine emotion. And yes, I know I cheated with including a tie — but it would be a disservice to not include all of these titles on my list.

GEORGE KOZERA (@PartyG)
I saw 164 movies this year. It took a long time to whittle the list down to 26 movies that I considered to be the best of 2018. This was a year that brought fantastic highs that had me gasping with wonder and admiration or so bad that they had me rolling my eyes in disbelief! Whether it was one of the most original Horror movies in a long time (A Quiet Place) or a Superhero, Comic Book movie so innovative and supremely well-acted that it validated a genre many were hoping would just go away (Black Panther). It was a banner year for documentary features, musicals and an LGBTQ movie was released for the first time ever by a major Hollywood studio (Love, Simon). Dramas were rampant with stories that touched one’s soul, though there was a lack of Comedies that were consistently funny throughout (with the exception of “Game Night”). All that said, I submit my pick for the best film of the year and the next nine movies (in alphabetical order) that moved, enthralled and will stay with me for years to come.

Roma
BlacKkKlansman
Cold War
The Favourite
Green Book
If Beale Street Could Talk
Lean on Pete
Leave No Trace
Mary Poppins Returns
Three Identical Strangers

JUSTIN WALDMAN (@DubsReviews)
It is time for the annual Top Ten movies I saw that I absolutely adored and loved this year. Some are best of the year, while others are the movies I had the most fun watching this year. There have been some truly incredible movies this year, and dare I say the ‘blockbusters’ for the most part have been fine, nothing really spectacular outside of a few gems. If you haven’t seen something on this list, go out and see it. Most of these movies will appeal to the masses, enjoy yourselves. Here’s to a 2019 with some hot titles coming out over the next few weeks, Glass anyone, and next few months, US am I right? 2019 is sure to be a stellar year

Anna and the Apocalypse
A Quiet Place
Black Panther
BlacKkKlansman
Blindspotting
Eighth Grade
Sorry to Bother You
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse
The Favourite
Widows

2018 will go down as one of the best years in recent Cinema. While I’m not loving the current sound of what’s dominating the airwaves, there were a few Pop Gems that filled my heart and ears with joy. Those of you who are following me on Social Media know that my year was all about A STAR IS BORN. I had few expectations of it at the beginning of the year, but then came the Trailer in June and then came news of it premiering at TIFF ’18. Seeing it at the Festival, my year and life would be changed forever, single-handedly owning my two favourite realms, Music and Film. I am still not healed of the heartbreak I experience and can imagine what it’s like to be Lady Gaga or Bradley Cooper and carrying their characters with them after filming. If you still haven’t seen it, please do.

We loved the resurgence of the Musical with the likes of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Bohemian Rhapsody and Mary Poppins Returns performing v. well in numbers. The World needs a lift in spirits and these all came to save the day at the right time.

Music wise, we are ever-excited about Dua Lipa‘s blooming career and she has gifted us with several earworms which still stand the test of time at the end of year. While there wasn’t really a big single off it, Mariah Carey‘s critically-acclaimed Caution is definitely a smooth, cohesive listen. Cardi B‘s Invasion of Privacy gave us life in a big way this spring and likewise, there wasn’t one particular 2018 single which impacted us, the Album was on repeat for quite a while for us.

2018 also was my best year for Selfies ever. Will I ever stop? Why stop at something you love this much? Sorry, haters!

Adam Brody

Alexandra Shipp

Amandla Stenberg

Amber Heard

Anne-Marie

Amber Heard

Awkwafina

Bebe Rexha

Ben Platt

Billie Eilish

Bo Derek

Brandy

bülow

The Chainsmokers

Chelsea Handler

Chris Pine

Christie Brinkley

Claire Foy

Cynthia Erivo

Damian Lewis

Danai Gurira

Daniel Kaluuya

David Tao

DJ Khaled

Ed Helms

Elizabeth Debicki

Emily Mortimer

Ezra Miller

Gordon Ramsay

Gwendoline Christie

Howie Mandel

The Adult Cast of IT: CHAPTER TWO

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Jack Dylan Grazer

Jaleel White

Jamie Dornan

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jane Seymour

Jason Momoa

Jeremy Renner

Jessie Reyez

Jimmy Kimmel

John David Washington

Jon Hamm

Josh Dallas

Julia Roberts (kinda!)

Karen Gillan

Katherine Heigl

Keegan-Michael Key

Keith Urban

Kelly Marie Tran

Kristen Stewart

Lady Gaga

Laura Linney

Lily-Rose Depp

Loud Luxury

Mackenzie Foy

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Mahershala Ali

Marcia Gay Harden

Maren Morris

Martin Scorsese

Mary J. Blige

M△X

Mena Massoud

Michael J. Fox with Team Mr. Will

Norm Kelly

Paris Hilton

Peter Sarsgaard

Quincy Jones

Riz Ahmed

Rob Schneider

Robert DeNiro

Roseanne Barr

Ryan Gosling

Sally Field

Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue

Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg

Steve Carell

Steve Yeun

Timothée Chalamet

Tony Danza

Trevante Rhodes

Troye Sivan

Wyatt Olef

Zhang Yimou

Patrick Wilson

We’ve been at this game for what is approaching our tenth year and we’re showing no signs of stopping. We are indebted to you, our Readers for all the support and love you’ve shown all these years and we’ll never forget being named NOW Magazine Readers’ Choice Best Blogger this year. Thank you. To a stellar 2019!

Nominations were unveiled this morning for the 76th edition of the Golden Globe Awards from the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Coming out of nowhere to lead the tally was Adam McKay’s VICE, which still has yet to open in theatres. The Dick Cheney Biopic starring Christian Bale, comes out ahead with six nods, including Motion Picture – Comedy, Actor in a Comedy and Director.

Not far behind with five nominations, is Bradley Cooper’s Box Office and commercial success A STAR IS BORN which sees the Film nominated for Motion Picture – Drama and himself cross-nominated for Director and Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. Already a Golden Globe winner, Lady Gaga gets recognition again for her performance, up for Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. Very shockingly, Sam Elliott didn’t get a nod for Supporting Actor after a win in the National Board of Review Awards last week.

THE FAVOURITE and GREEN BOOK, the latter which won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival and also Best Picture at the National Board of Review Awards, likewise get five nominations. All three stars of the former are up for Actress in Motion Picture – Comedy (Olivia Colman) and Supporting Actress (Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz). Both stars of the latter are up for awards also in the category of Lead Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy (Viggo Mortensen) and Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali).

In Television categories, we saw AMERICAN CRIME STORY: THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE validated with four nominations including Best Limited Television Series, Actor in a Limited Series (Darren Criss),Actor in a Supporting Role in a Limited Series (Edgar Ramirez) and Actress in a Supporting Role in a Limited Series (Pénélope Cruz).

There is a six-way tie between BARRY, THE KOMISNKI METHOD, HOMECOMING, SHARP OBJECTS, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL and A VERY ENGLISH SCANDAL.

First the Internet, now the Box Office! RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET has a stellar U.S. Thanksgiving weekend opening for Disney with $54.8 million, besting its 2012 Predecessor which debuted with $49 million. It plays in 4,017 theatres and gets 86% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore.

In second is CREED II with $36 million from 3,442 theatres for Warner Bros. It gets an A CinemaScore and 82% on the Tomatometer. This also bests 2015’s CREED which opened with $29.3 million.

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDEWALD slips to second spot this weekend with $29 million from 4,163 theatres for Warner Bros.

THE GRINCH lands in fourth with $28.5 million for Universal Pictures, a three-week tally of $178.8 million domestically.

GREEN BOOK, which won the People’s Choice Award at TIFF ’18, opens in ninth spot with $5.2 million from 1,063 theatres for Focus Features/Universal Pictures.

A STAR IS BORN rounds-out the Top Ten with $2.9 million for Warner Bros., bringing its North American run to $191 million.

THE GRINCH definitely stole the Box Office! The latest incarnation of the Holiday Classic debuts atop the Box Office with a stellar $66.2 million from 4,141 theatres for Universal Pictures. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, the Film gets 54% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore from Audiences.

In second is last week’s champ BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY with $30 million from 4,000 theatres for 20th Century Fox. Over two weeks it has grossed just shy of $100 million in North America.

Third spot goes to OVERLORD which gets $10.1 million from 2,859 theatres for Paramount Pictures. The R-rated Horror gets 81% on the Tomatometer winning several raves including the highest endorsement with Stephen King even Tweeting about it. Audiences gave it a B CinemaScore.

THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER’S WEB debuts in fourth with $8.8 million for Sony Pictures, getting 44% on the Tomatometer and a B CinemaScore. Its Predecessor, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO fared a similar fate in returns opening with $12.7 million back in 2011, although reviews for the Stieg Larsson Adaptation were much strong at 86% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore.

A STAR IS BORN is sixth with $8 million for Warner Bros., edging ever closer to that $200 million-mark.

THE HATE U GIVE rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.9 million for 20th Century Fox, a six week tally of $26.5 million domestically.

Moviegoers rocked-out to BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY this weekend, debuting atop the Box Office with $48.9 million from 4,000 theatres for 20th Century Fox. The Freddie Mercury Biopic gets 59% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore, with its star Rami Malek getting major Awards Season buzz for his portrayal. The Film was made for $48 million.

In second is another debut, THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS for Disney with $20.2 million, from 3,766 theatres. The Film starring Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley and Helen Mirren, gets 35% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore.

In third is Paramount Pictures Comedy NOBODY’S FOOL with $13.8 million from 2,468 theatres. It gets 25% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore.

HALLOWEEN is in fourth with $11.1 million for Universal Pictures, a total $150 million over four weeks domestically.

A STAR IS BORN finds itself in fifth with $10.7 million for Warner Bros., now having made $165.2 million.

THE HATE U GIVE is in ninth with $3.5 million for 20th Century Fox, a total $23.5 million grossed in its run thus far.

Rounding things out is SMALLFOOT with $3.1 million for Warner Bros., a total $76.7 million to-date.

For a second week straight, HALLOWEEN takes the top of the Box Office again with $31.4 million from 3,990 theatres for Universal Pictures. In its domestic run thus far, it has made $126 million and last weekend got the distinction of second-highest opening ever in October.

Still shining bright is A STAR IS BORN is second finally toppling VENOM, that one being in third spot. The former gets $14 million in its third week out, a total $148 million over three weeks for Warner Bros. The latter gets $10.2 million, with $182 million being its three week tally for Sony Pictures.

HUNTER KILLER starring Gerard Butler opens in fourth with $7 million for Lionsgate Films/VVS Films, playing at 2,720 theatres. Despite only 35% from Critics on the Tomatometer, it gets an A- CinemaScore from Audiences.

MID90s, the directorial debut of Jonah Hill is in ninth with $3.7 million for A24 Films/VVS Films, expanding to 1,206 theatres in its second week. It gets 78% on the Tomatometer.

NIGHT SCHOOL rounds-out the Top Ten with a respectable $3.2 million for Universal Pictures, a run of $71.4 million over five weeks.

Up to its old tricks, HALLOWEEN debuts huge this weekend to the tune of $80.5 million this weekend from 3,928 theatres for Blumhouse Productions/Universal Pictures. The direct Sequel some 40 years later, ignoring the other Films in the Franchise, gets 81% on the Tomatometer and B+ CinemaScore. This easily is a Franchise-best opening, the best belonging prior to 2007’s Halloween: Resurrection which debuted with $26 million.

In second a third week in-a-row is A STAR IS BORN, still pulling in big numbers with $18.8 million in week three for Warner Bros. It surpasses $125 million in earnings this weekend.

VENOM is in third with $17.5 million for Sony Pictures, a tally of $170.5 million over three weeks.

GOOSEBUMPS 2: HAUNTED HALLOWEEN lands in fourth with $10.1 million for Sony Pictures also, a two week total of $29.2 million.

FIRST MAN is in fifth this weekend with $8.9 million a two week run of $30.3 million for Universal Pictures.

THE HATE U GIVE expands to 2,303 theatres this weekend for 20th Century Fox, placing sixth with $7.7 million, a total $10.9 million grossed since its limited opening. Reviews are phenomenal with 96% on the Tomatometer and a rare A+ CinemaScore.

THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.9 million, expanding to 802 theatres for Fox Searchlight this weekend. Robert Redford’s final bow as an Actor gets 90% on the Tomatometer.

For a second week straight, VENOM takes the top of the Box Office. Earning $31.7 million in its second week out for Sony Pictures, its tally to date is $138.8 million.

Repeating the order again this weekend, A STAR IS BORN settles for second with a strong $29.6 million, bringing its two-week run to $95.7 million for Warner Bros.

FIRST MAN, seen as an early Oscar Contender debuts in third with $16.8 million for Universal Pictures, from 3,640 theatres. This latest, a Neil Armstrong Biopic from Oscar-winning Director Damien Chazelle, gets a B+ CinemaScore and an 88% on the Tomatometer.

GOOSEBUMPS 2: HAUNTED HALLOWEEN debuts in fourth with $15.7 million from 3,521 theatres, getting 43% on the Tomatometer and a B CinemaScore. Its 2015 Predecessor opened with $23.6 million.

Star-studded BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE opens in sixth with $7.9 million from 2,808 theatres for 20th Century Fox. It gets a B- CinemaScore and a 71% on the Tomatometer.

THE HATE U GIVE, also an Oscar Contender, debuts in ninth with $1.5 million from just 248 theatres in its second week of limited release for 20th Century Fox.

Rounding-out the Top Ten is A SIMPLE FAVOR with $1.3 million for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films, a total $52 million over five weeks.